By KT Reporter
The Bishops of the Church of Uganda, led by Archbishop Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, have appealed to the government and Ugandans to uphold peace, dialogue, and transparency during the political season ahead of the 2026 general election.
The statement was delivered on Wednesday by Archbishop Kaziimba, who also serves as the Chairman of the House of Bishops. It followed a two-day joint meeting of the House of Bishops and the Board of Trustees at the Lweza Training and Conference Centre.
“Let us remember that even though our political opinions differ, our common identity as God’s people must remain stronger than any division. In this season, let us be peace makers in our families, churches, communities, and political spaces. Let our peace be seasoned with grace and truth,” reads part of the statement.
Citing Article 1 of the Constitution, which vests power in the people, Archbishop Kaziimba urged Ugandans to exercise their right to choose leaders peacefully and responsibly. “As Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said: ‘If you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.’ Let us therefore choose dialogue over hostility, forgiveness over revenge, and reconciliation over bitterness,” he said.
The House of Bishops called on the government to protect citizens rather than silence them, and urged security agencies to remain neutral and uphold the rights of all Ugandans. “Keep law and order before, during, and after the election period with professionalism, impartiality, and respect for human dignity. Security organs must be guardians of peace, not sources of fear,” the Bishops guided.
They also appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to conduct its duties with impartiality, integrity, and transparency during the announcement of results, ensuring that the will of the people is respected. According to Archbishop Kaziimba, doing so will help strengthen public confidence and preserve national harmony.
“To political candidates: campaign with honesty, dignity, and fairness. Prevail upon your supporters not to provoke authorities or engage in any form of violence. Do not set Ugandans against one another for your objectives. We strongly condemn all election malpractices such as voter bribery, intimidation, and the reckless use of money,” he said.
The call comes as presidential candidates, recently nominated by Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, continue traversing the country in search of votes. They will soon be joined by parliamentary aspirants, whose nominations are expected later this month. Ugandans are set to go to the polls in January to elect leaders for the next five years.
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